Various factors, such as lifestyle choices and health conditions, can increase the likelihood of UTIs, and bathroom habits may contribute as well.
Over half of all women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some stage in their lives. How Does A Healthy Vagina Smell like?
Urine droplets in the vaginal area can transfer to underwear, leading to unpleasant odors and bacterial growth, which may elevate the risk of UTIs.
Top 5 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Unpleasant Vagina Odour
It is crucial to clean the vagina promptly after urination to minimize this risk.
Methods for Cleaning Your Vagina After Urination
Cleaning can be accomplished in two ways:
wiping with toilet paper or tissues, or rinsing with water.
1. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper can absorb moisture after urination but may also leave behind waste and irritate the skin and vaginal area. If not used correctly, it can facilitate the spread of bacteria.
2. Water
When the vaginal area is washed with water, urine droplets are removed; however, the vagina may remain moist, which can increase the likelihood of bacterial development.
A bidet, which is a fixture in the bathroom designed for cleaning intimate areas, is highly effective for this purpose.
For optimal hygiene, it’s best to use a combination of tissue paper and water.
After urination, rinse the vaginal area with clean water first, then gently pat it dry with tissue paper. This practice reduces the risk of infection and prevents excessive dampness.
A study investigated the correlation between wiping techniques and the risk of UTIs.
Patients at two hospitals in Japan were invited to participate in this research from April 2020 to March 2023.
Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their wiping habits after using the toilet and their history of UTIs.
A total of 294 individuals (141 men and 153 women) participated in the study. Among them, 32 men (23%) and 68 women (44%) indicated that they wiped from the front by reaching between their legs.
Women reported a higher incidence of UTIs compared to men, with approximately 40–50% of women wiping from the front.
This practice may elevate the UTI risk among middle-aged women, suggesting that wiping from the back could be a more favorable option to mitigate this risk.